www.maderatribune.comServing the Heart of California since 1892http://www.maderatribune.com/node/2620/atom.xml2015-08-02T21:02:24+00:00http://www.maderatribune.com/columns/nation%E2%80%99s-children-need-our-help2012-08-16T16:31:45+00:002012-08-17T16:32:00+00:00The nation’s children need our helpwebmaster

The news about American children is both good and bad. While many aspects of growing up in the U.S. have improved over time, others have eroded. The many criticisms of education that we hear are a reflection of our increasing expectations.

In fact, according to the Kids Count 2012 Data Book, a project of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, high school graduation rates and national math and reading scores for students of all races and income levels are higher than ever. While there is plenty of room for improvement, the overall trend is positive.

However, when we look at the situation in terms of the economic well-being of both children and families, we see the deleterious effects of the long recession that the country has experienced. High unemployment and underemployment plague many families in the middle class, working class, and lower classes. The burst of the housing bubble has threatened financial stability and created greater hardships, especially for low-income families.

According to the report, “The foreclosure crisis, which has already created residential instability for an estimated 5 million to 6 million children, is far from over.” ...